Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains, visitors can experience one of the state's greatest cultural treasures: the tradition, fine arts, music and dance of the 10,000-year-old Cherokee culture. Visit NC Farms to discover more than 400 destinations of local farms and fisheries, farmers markets, pick your own operations, local food and drink, farm stays and lodging, tours and trails, and community events. North Carolina's roots are in farming and agriculture. A nationally recognized zoological park and extensive system of aquariums support wildlife education. Summer theaters, wineries, craft breweries and festivals abound throughout the state, as does outdoor drama. Along with celebrated Native American and Civil War roots, we also commemorate the Wright Brothers’ first moments of flight. The nation’s first state-supported symphony and art museum continue to flourish in the state. Arts and CultureĬultural and educational experiences are plentiful. This is a great state for hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, from one of our 10 national parks or in one of the 41 locations that are currently part of our state parks system. North Carolina is rich in resources, with a stunning array of wild creatures, from painted buntings to white-tailed deer, bog turtles and our native brook trout.
We have 300 miles of white sandy beaches, more than any other Atlantic Coast state except Florida. The state's mountains are the perfect vantage point for viewing the brilliant kaleidoscope of colors they produce each fall. When people think of North Carolina, the word that comes to mind first is 'beautiful.' North Carolina is a diverse land, home to both mountains and sea, with more than 120 species of trees.